Karen Dolan a 'good steward' for Bethlehem

Oct 15, 2014 | 6:32 PM

Bethlehem City Councilwoman Karen Dolan will resign Nov. 1 after a Northampton County Grand Jury report accused her of trying to use her elected office to benefit her nonprofit organization, the Gertrude B. Fox Environmental Center at Illick's Mill in the city. (APRIL BARTHOLOMEW, THE MORNING CALL)

The saying, "no good deed goes unpunished," seems to be an apt observation on the political fate of Bethlehem Councilwoman Karen Dolan. A champion of the environment who has been actively involved in restoring a significant Bethlehem historical site, she mistakenly presumed that an equally enthusiastic public should support her pet projects. It was a mistake to be sure, but definitely an objective that stands to benefit the community and not her.

Her public service was not about herself, but about the community — a politician with interest in the betterment of the community rather than using her position for personal gain. What a concept! Here's hoping it catches on with a few others.

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Thank you, Karen Dolan. I hope the next good steward to step forward gets better treatment.